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Comment: Former Library book. Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Shipped to over one million happy customers. Your purchase benefits world literacy!

A lively playtime adventure that becomes a warm and cozy bedtime book—perfect for every little knight-in-training. From the illustrator of the award-winning We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

Night is falling and playtime is nearly over. But brave King Jack and his faithful knights Zak and Caspar are still protecting their castle fort from fierce dragons and terrible beasts. This captivating, joyful make-believe adventure is the perfect bedtime story for brave children everywhere. Fans of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Dinosaur Roar will especially enjoy this imaginative tale.

An ALA Notable BookBank Street Book Committee Best Children’s Books of the YearKate Greenaway Award

“It’s an enchanting tribute to both full-throttle pretend play and the reassurance of a parent’s embrace.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A tale of make-believe that children will delight in hearing again and again.”—School Library Journal (starred review)

“Sure to be read aloud again and again, this testament to imaginative play exudes warmth.”—Kirkus Reviews

Bedtime at Bessie and Lil's
With irresistible illustrations and lyrical text, Bedtime at Bessie and Lil's is both a celebration of sisterhood and a perfect way for parents to coax their active little ones to bed. See more featured books for children ages 3 - 5

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“At once contemporary and classic.” — The New York Times

“Though the characters are wholly modern, there is a timelessness to the cycle of excitement, apprehension and parental comfort that should give this lovely book a long stay on the nursery shelf.” — The Wall Street Journal

* “It’s an enchanting tribute to both full-throttle pretend play and the reassurance of a parent’s embrace.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

* “A tale of make-believe that children will delight in hearing again and again.” — School Library Journal, starred review

“The rhyming verse, large trim size, and detailed illustrations…make this a suitable story for group sharing, while the sweet, intimate tone will make it a family favorite.” — Booklist

“This one is sure to become a full-on family favorite at bedtime.” — The Washington Post

“Altogether, ‘King Jack’ is just about perfect.” — The Sacramento Bee

About the Author

Peter Bently lives in Devon, England, with his wife and their two children.

Helen Oxenbury, the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Ten Little Fingers, Ten Little Toes and We're Going on a Bear Hunt, lives with her husband, the illustrator John Burningham, in North London, England.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

"King Jack and the Dragon" is pure delight from beginning to end. Upon reading it, adults will reminisce on times gone by and youngsters will begin building castles in their own mind's eye.

Peter Bently's text has a rhythmical lilt that carries readers from one page to the next. And Helen Oxenbury's charming illustrations, which range from sparse to magical, will be examined time and time again. When the two elements come together it's perfection, playing to the words in some places and illustrations in others.

There's a classic feel to "King Jack and the Dragon" similar to that of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are." It's the type of book you want to share with your children and they'll want to share with their own.

At first, I was skeptical. I didn't think this book would work well in story time. The illustrations are beautifully drawn, but they are fine line, and some are black and white. I wondered if kids would have the patience for this story of imagination. After reading it to many preschool groups this week, I have my answer. This book was such a great success I plan on purchasing another copy for my permanent story time collection.

The illustrations which begin in black and white, erupt off the page into muted but colorful tones as the imaginations of our three little boys fire up in all their dragon and beastie chasing glory. The story then turns to a tale of suspense as our intrepid King Jack finds himself in the dark all by himself. Once again, the illustrations are perfect as they beautifully convey a dark summer night and a small boy trying to be brave but finally deciding that being King isn't all it's cracked up to be.

The writing is wonderful and possesses a read aloud flow that is so smooth it is easy for the story reader to maximize every triumphant and scary moment. When combined with these illustrations you cannot help but think of Max from Where The Wild Things Are. The story has a timeless feel that is guaranteed to leave your audience rapt. I wouldn't be surprised if this book inspires quite a bit of future fort building and dragon fighting. An enthusiastic read-aloud recommend.

This is a beautifully written book that I have loved to read to my son. Short text on each page makes it an ideal book for encouraging children to read it with you or pick out words to say when you are reading it out loud to them. Perfect length for a bed time story. The illustrations are beautiful as well. Highly recommended for any child, especially those whose name is Jack!

When young children and toddlers play, they make-believe about King Jack and his men, building a castle and fighting dragons and beasts all day. Friends and young ones get taken to bed, while King Jack is left to play, only to be taken for a bath and to bed that night. Children ages 3-6 will enjoy this lovely book about make-believe play.

Jack makes a castle for himself and his friends and they spend the day fighting dragons and other beasts. Then night comes and, slowly, one by one, the friends go home to bed. Jack tries to be brave and stay the night, but soon his parents come and carry him off to bed.

Beautiful illustrations and rhyming text make for a lovely story.

"Jack, Zack, and Casparwere making a den---a mighty great fort for King Jack and his men....

I have learned that there really aren't a lot of great kids' books out there. We read ALL the time, and more times than not I think the book is lame or poorly written. This is adorable! It's a really cute plot, the drawings are great, and it encourages imaginative play.

I CHECKED THIS OUT FROM THE LIBRARY FOR MY 4 1/2 YR OLD GRANDSON. HE HAS HAD IT READ TO HIM DOZENS OF TIMES NOW, AND OFTEN BY HIS 7 YEAR OLD SISTER (WHO READS AT AN ADVANCED LEVEL). I'M ON A VERY LIMITED BUDGET, BUT MUST REPEAT MUST GET THIS FOR THEM. A TRUE CLASSIC.